scrimmage
scrimmage Lexical Profile
scrimmage Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A simulated game or practice match played between two teams or members of the same team for training purposes.
"The coach scheduled a full-contact scrimmage on Friday afternoon to prepare the players for the upcoming tournament."
American The play and physical contest that takes place between two opposing teams in American football from the moment the ball is snapped until it is declared dead.
"The running back gained six yards from the line of scrimmage on the opening play."
A confused, disorderly struggle, tussle, or rough-and-tumble fight.
"A brief scrimmage broke out near the entrance as eager fans pushed forward to get autographs."
• verb
North American To take part in a simulated game or practice match as part of athletic training.
"The varsity soccer squad will scrimmage against the junior varsity team at the end of today's practice."
To engage in a confused, disorderly struggle or rough-and-tumble tussle.
"The two puppies began to scrimmage playfully over the rubber toy in the backyard."
• Rhymes for scrimmage
Word Origin & Etymology
Dating back to the late 15th century, "scrimmage" originated as a phonetic alteration of "skirmish," which entered Middle English from the Old French "eskirmir," meaning "to fence" or "to fight."
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.